Love Inc. of the Heart of Florida assistance programs.
Regardless of race, age, or religion, the local charity known as Love Inc. of the Heart of Florida works to meet basic needs of low income families or people that are struggling. Operating a call center, or Clearinghouse, volunteers will direct clients to the local church based program that best meets their needs. Whether it is food, transportation, or seasonal items, there may some form of assistance offered.
While a voucher may be offered for what is needed, Love Inc. and its partners in counties such as Lake and Marion also try to address the cause of the crisis. So they can assign clients to social workers to tackle challenges around employment or maybe debt reduction, and this be also be done through Life Skills classes and other services. Or there may be referrals to longer term government support, even programs such as SNAP food stamps.
In order to get help, people need to call the Clearinghouse at the number below. Based on the results of that intake and assessment process, Love Inc of the Heart of Florida will refer the person to a church in Lake County or maybe Marion or Sumter. There are over 30 member churches and this service is available regardless of age or religion, and some of the resources that may be available from the Gap Ministries are below.
Free items, vouchers, basic needs in the Heart of Florida
Free furniture may be offered from churches, including low cost items from thrift stores. There may be items such as small kitchen appliances, cookware, utensils, beds and more. Almost all of the items will be donated, so they are limited. Other basic goods, furniture and items may be clothes, beds, mattresses, blankets, and pillows. Find other free furniture banks for household goods.
A number of free food pantries are located across Lake County Florida, and Love Inc of the Heart of Florida can refer people to these sites. There may be canned goods, such as pasta, fruits, and other items. Many of the pantries will even provide hot meals, including at Christmas.
Anyone that is facing hunger should call the Clearinghouse. This is always a focus of Love, and they want to do their best to refer the needy to some place for food. There is even aid for the homeless or home delivered meals for the homebound and elderly. The pantries in counties such as Marion Florida may also have personal items, such as soap and more.
Often combined with the pantry service is a clothing closets. Churches may offer both at the same time, and these will be part of the Gap Ministry program provided by the charity. Volunteers are needed at these centers, and donations are appreciated too, so please give back if you can.
New moms or parents can get free baby supplies as well, and this can range from diapers to formula. In partnership with the Gap furniture ministry referred above, there may also be cribs passed out in the Heart of Florida as well as items such as strollers. The Love Inc. diaper ministry is another resource for low income families, including single parents from Florida.
Love Inc. Transportation services for jobs or emergency medical needs
When someone needs to get to a job or interview in Lake or Marion County, Love Inc of the Heart of Florida can provide free local transportation from a volunteer. There may even be occasional gasoline vouchers or minor car repairs done by a mechanic in the region.
The transportation will need to be local in nature, and it depends on Love Inc. or its partner churches finding a volunteer in counties such as Lake, Sumter or Marion to drive. There will also need to be proof, such as a doctor’s note, or record of a job interview.
Like Skills and Personal Growth Opportunities
There is also a Life Skills Ministry on site and at local churches. This is the tool used for self-sufficiency, and clients may receive access to GED classes or other support. Another key focus is on employment.
The Clearing House will also have information on free government job training programs in Florida. As those options, while outside of the “Love Network”, can be very beneficial. They can help clients either find a new job, or acquire better skills that can hopefully lead to higher wages and/or career opportunities.
Love Inc. Clearing house phone number
For more information, the Clearinghouse needs to be called. Love Inc of the Heart of Florida is located at 15797 South Highway 441, Summerfield, Florida 34491, however dial the number for referrals and other support. The main number is 352.245.8774.
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